PROCEEDINGS OF THE BALTIMORE SMOOTH MUSCLE MEETING: IDENTIFYING RESEARCH FRONTIERS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE LOWER URINARY TRACT

Abstract

The myocyte is a major parenchymal cell of the lower urinary tract (LUT) in men and women. Significant phenotypic diversity ensures that myocytes subserve their important role in the physiologically distinct tissues and organs of the LUT, including the ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, penis, vagina and myometrium. Coordinated contraction and relaxation of myocytes is required for normal organ function, while alterations in myocyte structure/function are implicated in the etiology of various LUT diseases/disorders. LUT diseases/disorders will continue to increase in an ever aging American population. The purpose of the Baltimore Smooth Muscle Meeting was to begin to identify some research frontiers and priorities. A 1-day conference of some of the leading world experts in smooth muscle research was held at American Urological Association headquarters. These experts gave presentations in their areas of expertise and extensively discussed their work. This report details those interactions. There is astonishing diversity in the contribution of the myocyte to LUT physiology and dysfunction. Novel tools, technologies and ideas have produced increased understanding and identified new frontiers. An improved understanding of urogenital myocyte physiology, function and dysfunction is required better to elucidate disease mechanisms and develop novel therapeutics. The First Annual Baltimore Smooth Muscle Meeting provided the first step in this direction. More coordinated LUT myocyte funding initiatives, the further development of research resources, tools and technologies, and exploration of the urogenital system as a model system for studying systems biology and integrative physiology are among the highest research priorities.